RMIT expert available for comment on Morrison/Biden talks
An expert from RMIT University is available to talk to media about Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s meeting with US President Joe Biden.
Dr Emma Shortis (0430 358 798 or emma.shortis@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: US history, US politics, Biden administration, climate politics, environmental history,
“On Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will meet US President Joe Biden one-on-one for the first time, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
“In the widening fallout of the AUKUS announcement, which has badly damaged Australia’s relationship with France and the European Union, and further eroded Australia’s standing in our immediate region, Morrison’s trip will be watched very closely.
“The last time he was in Washington, President Donald Trump held a formal state dinner in Morrison’s honour. This trip will be very different.
“While the focus will overwhelmingly be on this new security alliance and what it means, the Biden administration will also want to push the Australian government on climate action.
“How much of an effect that pressure might have remains to be seen, but there should be no doubt this is a critical time for both the alliance and, more importantly, the prospects for averting climate catastrophe.”
Dr Emma Shortis is a Research Fellow at the EU Centre of Excellence at RMIT University. She was a Fox-Zucker International Fellow at Yale University during her PhD in history, is a regular media commentator on the history and current politics of the US and co-host of RMIT’s politics and culture podcast Barely Gettin’ By. Her first book about Australia’s relationship with America, Our Exceptional Friend, was published this year.
For interviews, contact Dr Emma Shortis: 0430 358 798 or emma.shortis@rmit.edu.au
For media enquiries, contact RMIT Communications: 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au
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